XIV 
Journal of Proceedings. 
“ Three species of Acer are now (28th April) in bloom in this neighbour¬ 
hood :— A. platanoides, A. pseudo-platanus , and what I take to be a 
rather precocious variety of A. campestre. In A. platanoides and i. 
campestre the inflorescence is definite, and in its order of expansion 
corymbose as distinguished from centrifugal. In A. pseudo-platanus it 
seems to be formed on the same type, but a raceme of lateral flowers is 
developed on the central peduncle above the branches, which branch again. 
The central axis is normally terminated by a flower, which, however, is 
occasionally abortive, and only the lateral flowers of the raceme give 
origin to fruits, the others dropping. These particulars I have observed 
myself, but do not remember to have read of them.” 
The Secretary stated that nearly all the species in Mr. Gibbs’ list had 
previously been recorded in Gibson’s ‘ Flora of Essex,’ but the President 
remarked that it was nevertheless always interesting to have a confirma¬ 
tion of the recorded species by a competent observer. 
The Secretary announced that he had received a paper “ On the Pro¬ 
tection of Wild Animals and Birds ” from Mr. Harting to be appended to 
the proposed memorial, to which he was receiving signatures almost daily. 
He also stated that he was much grieved to notice the previous day that 
deep drainage had commenced on Wanstead Flats, near Whipps Cross, 
and that many ponds valuable to the microscopist and general naturalist 
were being destroyed. After considerable discussion of the subject, Mr. 
Cole moved that a deputation from the Society should be empowered to 
confer with the Verderers on the matter, and that in the meantime a 
letter should be sent to them calling attention to the changes being made 
in the Forest, and asking them to use their influence to check the same 
until at least the public had expressed its opinion. This proposal was 
seconded by Mr. Hutchinson, and carried unanimously. 
Mr. N. F. Kobarts exhibited a flint “ flake” with four “facets,” found 
by himself in the brick-field at “ Woodredon Hill,” Epping Forest, about 
a foot below the surface, having been probably ploughed in from above or 
buried by worms. He also exhibited, on behalf of Mr. Daw, a flint celt, 
of which the following description has been kindly written by Mr. Worth¬ 
ington Smith. Mr. Daw has generously presented the Club with the 
accompanying woodcut, drawn and engraved by Mr. Smith :— 
Chipped Celt found at Enfield. 
The flint celt, chisel, or gouge here illustrated was found by a workman 
at Bycullah Park Estate, Enfield, in surface-soil from beneath the roots 
of a tree. The instrument is now in the possession of George H. Daw, 
Esq. It is 4| in. long, 2^ in. wide at its broadest part, and weighs a little 
more than three ounces. It is made from a large flake of pale liver- 
coloured flint, none of the original crust of the stone being exhibited. A 
considerable part of the plain surface of the original flake—the side on 
which the bulb of percussion once was—is very distinct on the concave 
side. The instrument was originally chipped all over with great neatness 
and precision, and the broad cutting edge at length carefully ground on 
both sides. There is little or no trace of grinding or polishing at the 
smaller end. 
